Bill > S224

This bill establishes a special commission to study the "Dover amendment," which is a provision in Massachusetts General Laws, chapter 40A, section 3, that allows educational institutions to bypass certain local zoning regulations for building projects. The commission will be comprised of various state officials, including designees from the secretaries of housing and economic development and education, legislative leaders and their appointees, and three members appointed by the governor with expertise in zoning, social services, and education. Its purpose is to examine how this education exemption affects both municipalities and nonprofit educational institutions, by reviewing the types of projects built under its protection and relevant court decisions, and it will gather public input through hearings or surveys. The commission is tasked with submitting its findings and legislative recommendations, including a proposed definition of "educational purposes," to the state legislature by December 31, 2016.